New Norovirus Strains Account for Epidemics

Two new strains were responsible for 73% of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis in Australia and New Zealand during the first half of 2006.

Norovirus (NoV) is the most important cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Outbreaks occur frequently in closed environments such as nursing homes and cruise ships, and transmission is via several routes, including person-to-person spread and consumption of contaminated food. NoV consists of five genogroups; three of them (GI, GII, and GIV) are associated with human disease, and one (GII) has accounted for all global NoV gastroenteritis epidemics since the 1990s.

Early in 2006, the number of NoV gastroenteritis outbreaks increased in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. To examine this situation, researchers determined the genotype of 186 of 231 NoV isolates obtained from patients in Australia and New Zealand who had acute gastroenteriti…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)